Interview with Wardrobe Manager Lynn Ferguson

Black Swan's wardrobe manager Lynn Ferguson loves collaborating with others in her job.

Lynn recently sat down with The West Australian to discuss what she enjoys about her role at the company.

THE JOB

Wardrobe manager at Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA.

My job is to realise the head-to-toe visual representation of a character within a production. I collaborate very closely with the designer and the wardrobe team to ensure we produce costume that fits a brief. I source all elements related to costume, from fabric, to garments, dyes, jewellery and specialist practitioners such as make-up and hair artists.

THE PATH

I studied a four-year fashion design degree, followed by specialist study in corsetry and period costume drafting. I then worked my way up from assistant to both women’s and men’s pattern cutter in various very busy repertory theatres, before becoming head of wardrobe at Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh and Bristol Old Vic in Bristol.

THE GOOD

I love the collaborative nature of my job, which involves understanding what the design is there to achieve and making this work for the actor too. Sourcing can be hugely rewarding - it’s exciting to find that spectacular fabric or the perfect pair of shoes!

THE BAD

I’m not so keen on some of the paperwork. Last minute cast changes can be very challenging and puts pressure on the whole wardrobe department and the budget, but it’s an unavoidable reality of the job.

THE FUTURE

I have designed costume for a number of shows at Black Swan and other companies.

If I can fit more in around my already busy job, I would like to do more in the future. This year I am extending the work I do with students at WAAPA, which will include some classes in art finishing and draping.

This article was originally published in The West Australian.